“Voice of the Peasant” works to train and inform citizens: a commitment to social and climate justice.
In an official correspondence dated October 14, 2025, the administrator of Idjwi Island Territory, Mr. Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal, announced the immediate suspension of all sand-extraction activities around Kisheke Bridge, located in the village of Buzibu. This decision was prompted by the deteriorating state of the bridge — vital for connecting several local communities — and by the alarming environmental consequences observed in the area. Excessive sand mining threatens not only the stability of local infrastructure but also the fragile ecosystem that surrounds it.
A Call for Vigilance Against Attempts to Evade the Ban
In his letter, the administrator emphasized the importance of enforcing this prohibition and instructed the village chief to monitor any attempts to bypass the measure. He warned that certain individuals might try to continue the activities illegally under the pretext of authorization from local authorities.
Copies of the ban were sent to the traditional chiefs concerned, as well as to the president of the sand quarry operators in Bukavu, in order to avoid any misunderstanding.
A Preventive Action for Safety and Resource Protection
This decision by Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal forms part of a preventive approach to mitigate the growing risks of erosion, collapsing riverbanks, and bridge damage caused by uncontrolled sand extraction. It also serves as a reminder that the management of natural resources must be guided by environmental respect and the common good.
The administrator therefore calls for collective responsibility to ensure the safety of infrastructure and the sustainability of ecosystems on Idjwi Island.
The Editorial Team
